NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
A new bill in the state legislature could make it easier for lobbyists to "wine and dine" lawmakers.
Republican Rep. Philip Johnson of Pegram is behind the new proposal that would allow employers of lobbyists to host receptions for standing committees in either chamber.
Laws currently ban them from hosting receptions, where food and alcohol are served, unless they invite all 132 legislators.
Johnson said the bill would encourage citizens' access to lawmakers and to keep costs down.
But Dick Williams, chairman of Common Cause Tennessee, said the change would allow lobbyists to concentrate their spending on committees handling the legislation they are advocating for.
Critics say the bill would be a step back from ethics reforms imposed on the General Assembly after the FBI's Tennessee Waltz Bribery sting of 2005.
